Principal data scientist

1 week ago

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa timbuk2 Full time R1 200 000 - R2 400 000 per year

Principal Data Scientist / Insights Engine Lead

| Remote (GMT+2)

We're building an AI engine that understands the real world — fusing geospatial data, mobility signals, optimisation models, and LLM reasoning into one system that powers multiple products. We need a hands-on Principal Data Scientist who lives for shipping models, pushing frontier techniques, and owning a production intelligence layer end-to-end.

If you're obsessed with GeoAI, LLMs, multimodal models, and building fast in a startup: read on.


What you'll do

Own the modelling architecture behind scoring, optimisation, attribution, and location intelligence.

Build GeoAI + movement-data models that handle messy, high-volume signals.

Inject LLMs & multimodal models into real product surfaces (explanations, reasoning, area intelligence, brief extraction).

Prototype fast, stabilise what works, and ship continuously.

Set modelling standards and uplift the team as our senior technical anchor.


What you'll ship

A next-gen, multi-tenant insights engine.

Production GeoAI + LLM + multimodal features users actually rely on.

A credible v1 attribution/ROI model.

A hardened, monitored, reliable modelling layer ready for scale.


You're a fit if you

Have 8+ years in DS/ML with 3+ years leading complex production models.

Are fluent in Python, PyTorch/JAX, geo/spatial tooling, and large datasets.

Have real experience shipping LLMs in products, not demos.

Thrive in ambiguity, move fast, and love startups.

Get energy from owning something end-to-end — data → model → API → impact.


Why join

You'll shape the intelligence core of a platform used across multiple products, markets, and partners — and you'll do it in a startup where speed is a feature and AI isn't a bolt-on, it is the product.

  • Data Scientist

    1 week ago

    Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa DLK Group Full time R600 000 - R1 200 000 per year

    Job DescriptionThe role of the Data Scientist encompasses many activities including (but not limited to): Master Data or Data Strategy and Planning: Developing and implementing data management strategies that align with organizational goals; defining data policies, standards, and best practices for data management and governance.Data Storage Solutions:...

  • Data Scientist

    2 weeks ago

    Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa DLK Group Full time R250 000 - R500 000 per year

    Duties & Responsibilities The role of the Data Scientist encompasses many activities including (but not limited to):Master Data or Data Strategy and Planning: Developing and implementing data management strategies that align with organizational goals; defining data policies, standards, and best practices for data management and governance.Data Storage...

  • Data Scientist

    3 days ago

    Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa BigTalent Full time R600 000 - R1 200 000 per year

    Position Title: Data ScientistLocation: Cape TownReady to turn complex data into game-changing strategies? Apply now and be part of a team where data fuels innovation and drives successIntroduction:Are you passionate about transforming data into powerful business insights? Our client is looking for a Data Scientist to drive data-driven decision-making,...

  • Data Scientist

    3 days ago

    Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa Network2 Full time R100 000 - R120 000 per year

    Are you a solutions-driven Data Scientist or Analyst with strong Qlik expertise and a passion for building and optimising predictive models? Here's your chance to make a measurable impact in the credit analytics space. A leading financial solutions consultancy in Cape Town is looking for a dynamic professional who thrives on turning complex data into...

  • Data Scientist

    3 days ago

    Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa BigTalent Full time R900 000 - R1 200 000 per year

    Position Title: Data ScientistLocation: Cape Town - hybrid two days on-siteAre you passionate about data, solving real-world business challenges, and driving innovation? Our client is a leading retailer focused on customer satisfaction and innovation, and they are looking for a Data Scientist.In this role, you will have the opportunity to lead exciting...

  • Data Scientist I

    1 week ago

    Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa Shoprite Group Full time R90 000 - R120 000 per year

    Job Details Closing Date2025/11/17 Reference NumberSHO Job TitleData Scientist I Job TypePermanent Location - CountrySouth Africa Location - ProvinceWestern Cape Location - Town or CityCape Town, Brackenfell Purpose of the JobAs Shoprite Financial Services continues to scale, the demand for high-quality, timely data outputs, focused on unlocking value...

  • Data Scientist

    3 days ago

    Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa The Legends Agency Full time R1 000 000 - R2 500 000 per year

    Data Scientist - Credit RiskShape the Future of Credit Analytics in a Fast-Paced, High-Impact RoleData Science Hybrid (Cape Town CBD) Market Related UK Working Hours About Our ClientOur client is an agile, data-driven financial services company with a strong focus on credit innovation. They operate in a fast-paced environment, leveraging advanced...

  • Senior Data Scientist

    3 days ago

    Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa BigTalent Full time R900 000 - R1 200 000 per year

    Senior Data ScientistLocation: Kuils RiverWork Model: On-siteAre you a data-driven problem solver ready to shape strategic decisions through the power of machine learning and advanced analytics? We're looking for a Senior Data Scientist to join our dynamic analytics team and lead impactful projects across credit risk and marketing domains.As a Senior Data...

  • Intermediate Data Scientist

    3 days ago

    Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa Boardroom Appointments Full time R80 000 - R120 000 per year

    Minimum Requirements:Matric (Grade 12) At least an undergraduate degree in relevant field and 2+ years of relevant work experienceOr a master's degree in a relevant fieldResponsibilities:Primarily provide support to more senior Data ScientistsPulls data, cleans data, builds and maintains existing modelsParticipates in result presentation to internal...

  • Senior Data Scientist

    2 weeks ago

    Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa Pty Full time R46 800 - R300 000 per year

    Are you a Senior Data Scientist passionate about turning complex data into actionable insights?Join a dynamic, hybrid team focused on delivering strategic data solutions that drive business growth. In this role, you'll develop advanced predictive models, guide data strategy, and collaborate with leadership and engineering teams to influence decision-making...